Even the definition Dr. Vesna mentions of mathematics encompassing abstractions, interrelations, and generalizations speaks to the contrast in the definition we learn growing up through our "discipline-based" education system. In fact, advanced mathematics at some institutions is under philosophy, showing the importance of a creative thought process in math. Dr. Vesna's lecture on how mathematics has been driving our understanding of reality greatly sparked my curiosity and reflection, deepening my understanding of the past with ancient art and architecture to now with computers.  Henderson’s article shows how the advances in understanding the dimensions through mathematics led to a freer sense of thought among artists. It was surprising to learn how this discovery in math could translate to new forms of visual art such as abstract art. It was eye-opening to also see the connection between optics and geometry and art with the concept of vanishing point, described by Frantz.


Leonardo da Vinci's drawing of a tetrahedron
(George Hart http://www.georgehart.com/sculpture/leonardo-project.html)


Specifically, this tetrahedron by Leonardo da Vinci showcases his use of geometry in perspective and his understanding of optical principles and mathematical relationships to illustrate distance. Artists like da Vinci used mathematics to create reality in their art; however, art was also used to help explain the scientific world through sculpture and architecture. In addition, I enjoyed reading how it was not only art in the traditional sense, with paintings and drawings that was impacted by mathematics, but also literature and music. Abbott’s Flatland novel uses dimensions as metaphors to present important social issues. By equalizing the acceptance of more dimensions to social inequality with Victorian hierarchy, Abbott distinctly shows the unavoidable overlap between mathematics and culture in his artistic rendering of a fictional story. Similarly in music, a subject we think of completely irrelevant to math, it is seen that math can be used to create appealing sounds for music and is ultimately the factor that allows us to manipulate sound. Overall, the numerous divisions of art can all be traced back to receiving the impact of mathematics and after what I have learned this week, I truly believe there is a strong dependency in the progression of what we know today as mathematics, art, and science. 


Visualization of mathematics in music
(Jack H. David http://jackhdavid.thehouseofdavid.com/papers/math.html)


Flatland movie visual
(Wikipedia)
References:

Abbott, Edwin Abbott. Flatland: a romance of many dimensions. N.p.: n.p., 1884. Print.

Burk, Phil. "The Digital Representation of Sound, Part One: Sound and Timbre." Music and Computers A Theoretical and Historical Approach. Columbia, n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2017.

Frantz, Marc. "Lesson 3: Vanishing Points and Looking at Art." Vanishing Points. Department of Computer Science University of Central Florida, 2000. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.

Henderson, Linda Dalrymple. "The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art: Conclusion." Leonardo 17.3 (1984): 205-10. JSTOR. Web. 16 Apr. 2017

UC Online Program. “Mathematics Pt1 Zero Perspective Golden Mean.” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 09 April 2012. Web. 16 April 2017.


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